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Norm Bakken | A reader in Blacksburg

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

What is this thing called love? When and how does it begin?

It began for me 75 years ago — I was 11, she was 10.

What we had in common was the public park where summer games were provided by the town.

I always took notice to see if she were present. There was an attraction. Of opposites? Of gender?

For me it was more like an intuitive fascination, sparked by the marvel and wonder of that particular one. Could I detect any hint of favor? Was her reserve and self-confidence ever to be shared?

Occasionally we met — at school, at lakes, at public events. Then, in my senior year in high school, I received her invitation to a “tolo ,” a Sadie Hawkins day dance. It was then I knew f or sure the person who could claim my life.

We’ve been married now 66 years. Those years have never exhau sted the wonder and fascination which was for me the essence of “that thing called love.”

Tuesday, May 21, 2013